- 2023 Spotlight
Personal Statement
Since the age of five, football has been my way of life, a lifestyle shaped by the rhythms of games on the TV as well as sessions on the training ground. Football continues to be ever- present in my life. The so-called ‘beautiful game’ has taught me so much more than anything else, namely, undeniable values such as discipline, respect and resilience that I am privileged to apply to my everyday life.
Growing up In Paris, I evolved between the ages of five to fifteen in a club called US Croissy where I learned the true principles of the game. Football soon evolved from a mere game into a passion that prompted me to push myself harder every time I wore my boots in order to strive for excellence. By repeating these same steps day by day and continuing my daily quest for personal excellent, I can honestly say that I owe my current perseverance and dedication to this ball game.
When I was fifteen came a time when some of my team mates whom I had known since the earliest age discontinued football, and the team instantly became less competitive. As a young teenager who did not want to abandon his dream of playing football at the best possible level for as long as he could, I decided, with the generous help of my parents, that the best option for myself was to go on playing in England. As a result, I arrived at a boarding school near Manchester seeking competitiveness and new challenges, and in readiness to develop myself both as a player and individual. Throughout my first year, I was coached by a former Liverpool FC player by the name of David Raven. He changed the way I saw football because he allowed me to me identify and work on my weaker points, and thus to become a much more capable all-round player. In the year that followed, I was appointed Captain of my team, a title I retain for my final season at Ellesmere College Football Academy. Because of my commitment to inclusion and diversity and my willingness to support younger players, football has nurtured my leadership skills as well as developing my sense of responsibility. For two years now, I have trained five times a week and played in lots of matches. The wins are joyable but it is when it comes to losing that I have learnt the greatest lessons. Bouncing back from failures with a renewed willingness to try again is a habit that has made me into a more driven and determined person, both on and off the pitch. Other sports are also important to me, as my parents have passed on their values of sports to me. In my spare time, I enjoy windsurfing, skiing, road cycling and downhill biking. The combination of these sports allows me to appreciate different aspects of sports and to maintain my physical fitness all year round.
My major ambition now is for me is to excel both in sports and on the academic front where I am committed to pursuing a degree in political science. I place as much emphasis on my academic endeavours as I do on sports, as I believe that in this approach lies the key for success. I am therefore committed to seek a strong combination of these two areas that are so important in my life. Throughout my two years in Sixth Form, I have consistently maintained a high GPA which have laid a solid foundatiion for the undergraduate studies I wish to pursue at university.
Going to study in America to combine my passions for the beautiful game’ and an important area of study is a childhood dream for me and the fact that I can make this happen motivates me and pushes me to give of my best every day. I am determined to accomplish this goal and believe that I would be a positive addition to your team for all the reasons outlined above.
Sacha Connesson.
